Callahan reportedly played role drawing Boyle, Stralman to Lightning

It seems the Martin St. Louis-Ryan Callahan trade has paid dividends for both the Rangers and the Lightning.

With St. Louis, New York made a run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final before losing in five games to the Los Angeles Kings. St. Louis put up eight goals and 15 points (including three game-winners) along the way as the team rallied around him and came the closest it had to a Stanley Cup since ’94.

The move appears to be benefiting Tampa Bay, too. Besides signing Callahan to a six-year contract that CapGeek lists at $34.8 million, team’s new winger reportedly put in a good word to a pair of his former Blueshirt teammates: forward Brian Boyle and defenseman Anton Stralman.

“He was telling me about how great the area is and how fun it is and with the group what to expect,’’ said Boyle, who signed a three-year deal worth $6 million (again, according to CapGeek’s records). “He had a great time. He’s real excited and I’m real excited not only to play with Cally again, which is something that is going to be fun, but with a whole new scene. It’s tough to leave (New York). I have a lot of memories that mean a lot, but I’m excited for the change and Tampa looks good on paper right now, which is what a lot of people are saying.’’

Stralman also said he was encouraged to join the Lightning after talking with his former captain. Part of what he’s looking forward to next season is getting more involved in the attack, according to FOX Sports Florida:

"I like the way Tampa plays," Stralman said. "It’s always fun games coming in here. They play very offensive. Offensively, they counter with a lot of people all the time. That’s something that’s really attractive to be a part of. … So hopefully, it will help me to find my offensive game a little bit better."

Stralman, whose five-year contract is worth $22.5 million, had one goal and 12 assists and recorded a plus-9 rating last season; in the postseason he added five more assists for the Rangers. Boyle had six goals and 12 assists before he contributing eight points (3-5-8) in the playoffs.

For more on what Stralman was looking for in a contract and what he’s excited about next season, read FOX Sports Florida’s story here.

To keep reading about Boyle’s thoughts on Tampa and the other factors involved in choosing a team, click here.